AFL players put in all on the line

TOMORROW can't come fast enough for the 132 players taking part in the three AFL Mackay premiership matches at Etwell Park, Bakers Creek.

The week leading into the grand final seems to drag on so slowly, with players playing the match over and over in their heads even before a ball is kicked in anger on Saturday.

Players become great players when they perform outstanding deeds in these high-pressure matches and the anticipation of the event can leave some players physically ill and drained of their energy just when they need it most, for the premiership decider.

The saying ''it is just another match'' is easy if you're not involved. The players have worked so hard as a group for nine months to reach this point and tomorrow it is all or nothing, and I think that's the scary part of it.